Mozambique has revealed new details of its ambitious energy transition strategy, which aims to make the country a leader in hydrogen production in southern Africa by 2030.
Abundant natural resources mean that Mozambique has strong potential to develop a hydrogen industry. It is especially well-positioned for the development of green hydrogen, derived from renewable energy sources, as efficient and cost-effective hydropower already dominates the country’s energy mix.
Officials say Mozambique will be investing US$80 billion in the hydrogen sector by 2050 and will finalise details this year of the scale of hydrogen production and main export markets.
[See more: Mozambique signs a US$5 billion hydropower deal]
Maputo also acknowledges the need to develop appropriate infrastructure, including production facilities, storage, and transport networks, in collaboration with national and international partners. Establishing regional partnerships will allow “for a regional hydrogen economy, reducing the costs of developing hydrogen infrastructure and creating a broad market for hydrogen products and services,” officials say.
Existing resources and infrastructure will also get a boost under the plan with the addition of 3.5 GW of new hydroelectric capacity, achieved largely through modernisation of existing plants, and a boost to solar and wind energy through a renewable energy auction programme.
To absorb this increase in renewable energy generation, the plan also calls for the expansion and modernisation of the national grid.
